There are several areas where DMX timing can vary in a DMX packet. Each packet follows the format shown above.

First, a break occurs telling the receiver that this is the start of a new packet. Then the line is driven high for the Mark after Break (MAB) time. Then follows the start code, followed by the "post start" time. Then there follows the channel data, during which the line can be high (idle) for a variable amount of time between channels, known as the interbyte time. Finally after the last channel the line goes high (idle) for the interpacket delay time until the break of the next packet.